Scratch Built EDF Air Boat
The boat is a work in progress development idea. I wanted to make an air boat that was a bit different, so I purchased 2 brush-less ducted fan units that are designed to be used in model jet aircraft. I have to thank Les Griggs for donating an old 3 foot deep V hull he had to get the project started. First thing was to see if the ducted fan units that produced 2lb of thrust each could propel the hull fast enough. The first attempt ran of a lipo battery, this didn't give enough ballast and the boat would list under power due to the inertia of the motors. For the second try the power was increased by making cones for the fan units to accelerate the air (thanks to Wicksteed Park Cafe for the paper cups to use as a template), this worked and the lipo battery was changed for a lead acid one to give more weight. The result was quite a success but the ballast is now to much. Next I am going to try 2 lipo batteries in parallel. Development of the superstructure is on going and there may be a case for trying to fit hydrofoils to the hull, but I need to do a bit more research before I try that. This is going to be a long term project.